New Jersey Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your New Jersey LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in New Jersey.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
New Jersey LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in New Jersey, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the New Jersey Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in New Jersey.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the New Jersey Business Name Search or the New Jersey Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the New Jersey Business Entity Search page
New Jersey Secretary of State: Business Name Search
Just type your desired LLC name into the box and hit Search.
This search will look through all business names registered in New Jersey and display any similar names.
Remember not to include a designator (such as “LLC”) in your search.
How to Use Wildcard
This guide from the Division of Revenue explains how to use the wildcard feature. However, we recommend performing several separate searches for simplicity.
Business Name Availability Search
We suggest using this tool alongside the Business Database Search to ensure your New Jersey LLC name is truly unique.
Enter your desired LLC name into the box and click Search.
You'll receive a response indicating whether the name is "available" or "not available". This tool does not display similar names that are already in use.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand New Jersey LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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New Jersey Division of Revenue Contact Information
You can contact the New Jersey Division of Revenue to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, New Jersey representatives can guide you through the process of using the New Jersey Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services at 609-292-9292. Their hours are 8:30 am 4:30 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
New Jersey LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 42:2C-8 of the New Jersey LLC Act and Rule 590-7-20-.01 of the Rules and Regulations, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a New Jersey business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Star City Crafts LLC
- Star City Crafts, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- LLP
- LP
- P.A.
- P.C.
- Corp
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Professional Association
- Professional Corporation
- Non Profit Corporation
Restricted Words in New Jersey LLC Names
Your New Jersey LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
New Jersey restricts the use of certain words (and others) in LLC names, including:
- Express Mail
- Blind
- Cemetery
- Handicapped
- Usps
- Olympic (and related words)
- Realtor
- Con-con
- Dba
- Urban Renewal
- Zip Code
- E-com
- Little League
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your New Jersey Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the New Jersey Secretary of State Business Name Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Garden State Crafts LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the New Jersey Business Name Search:
- Garden State Crafts, Inc.
- Garden State Crafts Corp.
- Garden State Crafts, Limited Liability Company
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Maple Leaf Gardens LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Maple Leaf Gardens LLC
- A Maple Leaf Garden Inc.
- Maple Leaf and Gardens L.L.C.
- Maple Leaf & Gardens Corp
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Mapel Grove Cafe LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Mapel Grove Cafe LLC
- Mayple Grove Cafe Inc.
- Maple Groov Cafe Ltd.
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization don't make a business name unique.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is "Hudson River Cafe LLC", it cannot be used if any of these names are already in the New Jersey Business Name Search:
- HUDSON RIVER CAFE Inc.
- hudson river cafe LLC
- HuDsOn RiVeR CaFe Ltd.
In other words, you can use any capitalization style you like, but it won't make your name stand out from an existing company with the same name.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces does not create uniqueness.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Pinehill Farms LLC", it's not available if any of these names are already registered:
- Pinehill-Farms Inc.
- Pinehill/Farms, Ltd.
- Pine Hill Farms, L.L.C.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your New Jersey Certificate of Formation and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in New Jersey?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in New Jersey. You can proceed by filing your LLC's Certificate of Formation with your desired LLC name. A name reservation is considered an unnecessary step and not recommended.
Does New Jersey require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your New Jersey LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my New Jersey LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in New Jersey. In New Jersey, only foreign LLCs (those that exist in another state and are registering in New Jersey) use "DBAs". If you formed a New Jersey LLC, you would register an Alternate Name.
An Alternate Name in New Jersey allows your LLC to conduct business under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Certificate of Formation). To file for an Alternate Name, you must submit a Registration of an Alternate Name online and pay an additional fee of $50 to the Division of Revenue. Refer to the Division of Revenue Alternate Name Guide for more details.
There is no limit to the number of Alternate Names an LLC can have, but each Alternate Name must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use an Alternate Name (DBA)?
For instance, if you form an LLC called Garden State Food Tours LLC but want to use a more engaging name like Garden State Tours, you would need to file a Registration of Alternate Name to use Garden State Tours.
If you don't file a Registration of Alternate Name, you can only use your legal entity name of Garden State Food Tours LLC.
Similarly, if you want to do business under the name Garden State Food Tours without the "LLC" suffix, you must file an Alternate Name for Garden State Food Tours.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's wise to check if the domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names through services like GoDaddy.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business entity name must be unique in the Division of Revenue records. No two businesses can operate under the same name. For example, if you want to name your LLC Meadow Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Meadow Landscapers, Inc., your desired name is not distinguishable and cannot be used.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is essential for branding. Here's a method to generate a name for your New Jersey LLC:
- Start by listing the features and attributes you want your company to convey.
- Brainstorm as many names as possible without filtering them initially.
- Review the list and write down any variations or new ideas that come to mind.
- Set the list aside and revisit it after some time to refine your choices.
- Read the list out loud and gather feedback from friends, business partners, or family if desired.
- Repeat the process: refine your ideas, write down new variations, and review them again.
- The best name often becomes clear through this process. If needed, try this trick: Close your eyes, count to 10, and choose a name when you open your eyes. This can help you tap into your subconscious preferences.
Can I use the name of another New Jersey entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already in use by another New Jersey business. This restriction applies regardless of the entity type. You cannot use another business's name even if the entity is in “delinquent” status. However, if a business is dissolved, its name may become available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name later by filing an Amendment form with the Division of Revenue. Detailed instructions on changing an LLC name in New Jersey are available through the Division of Revenue.
How to start an LLC in New Jersey?
To start an LLC in New Jersey, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a New Jersey Registered Agent.
- File the New Jersey LLC Certificate of Formation.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- File the New Jersey LLC Registration with the Division of Taxation.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in New Jersey.